Couldn’t take off for the spring break vacation of your dreams? Would you still like to do something fun with your family, but not sure what? Enter in the next best thing- The Staycation!

For the Outdoor Enthusiast:

Because we moms know when kids run and play outside, they tend to be calmer and nap better afterward.

Toledo MetroParks

If your toddler’s anything like mine was, they’re probably up and ready to go before your coffee kicks in. Why not pick up some coffee and pastries and have a picnic breakfast at Pearson Park.

On Saturday, March 28 Oak Grove School, at Wildwood has a nature study lesson for kids on owls from 10:00-1:00. Family Open House with no registration required.

Did you know Metroparks have tree-climbing programs, archery practice, and snowshoe popups! Check their calendar to see specific dates and times.

For the Booklovers:

Because good books make for great memories with your kids. 

Mazza Museum

One of my favorite things to do with my daughter when she was younger was to read to her. I loved how excited she got when she discovered new things in her books. 

I’ve never made it to the Mazza Museum, but I did catch their exhibit at the Toledo Art Museum several years ago. 

If you’re not familiar with the Mazza Museum, they have over 14,000 pieces of artwork from picture books. 

Spend the afternoon rediscovering some of your favorite childhood books. 

Lucas County Library

Have you been to the newly renovated main library yet? Their children’s area is impressive. I took my 13-year old daughter there over winter break. They even have a scavenger hunt! If you have little ones, they have a great play area for them. You could definitely make an afternoon of it.

Way Public Library

Looking for ways to limit your kid’s electronic time? Check out the “Beyond Books” collection at the Way Public Library. You can rent board games, musical instruments, and giant outdoor games like connect 4 and checkers. We rented some for my daughter’s birthday party last year. The kids (and grownups) had a blast. 

For the Creatives:

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” – Pablo Picasso

Toledo Museum of Art Family Center

Think art museums aren’t for kids? Think again! The Toledo Museum of Art goes out of their way to make kids feel welcome.

They have an incredible Family Center with various art projects your kids can do for free. The project typically ties in with an art exhibit at the museum.

I remember years ago when I took my daughter, she loved creating a sculpture from random parts and pieces. She was so proud of her creation, she came home and immediately placed it on a shelf in her room.  

Their Family Center Hours differ from the museum’s hours, so make sure to double-check before you go.

RiverFront Candle Company

Want a reminder of your spring break together? Take your kids to RiverFront Candle Company, and make a scented candle the whole family will love. 

For the Discovers-Interactive Museums:

Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.”- Fred Rogers

Imagination Station

Imagination Station is another fun stop for kids. There are lots of interactive activities for kids of all ages. I love that they have a separate area for little kids. When my daughter was younger, she loved playing make-believe in their interactive grocery store.

National Museum of the Great Lakes 

Looking for more hands-on fun? Check out the National Museum of the Great Lakes. They have interactive exhibits for kids to explore. Kids love their underwater diving/exploration simulator. They also have a fun spot just for toddlers to play. 

For the Love of Local

Local Food

Are you looking for something a little outside the box for your spring break? Try a shop/eat local day?

Start breakfast at a local bakery. A couple of my favorites are Wixey’s Bakery, and Chandler Café.

Have lunch or dinner at a local restaurant. Shorty’s True American Roadhouse’s chili is my all-time favorite! Maybe you’re more a chicken and waffles kind of mom. I hear good things about Fowl and Fodder.

Local Shopping

Do some shopping at Kids Klothesline in downtown Perrysburg or Bowinkles in Sylvania. They have the cutest (and softest) kid’s clothes around! 

Pick up some adorable cookie cutters at Cake Arts in Sylvania or at the Baker’s Kitchen in downtown Perrysburg. Then go home and make cookies and memories with your little one.

For the Love of Others:

Ronald McDonald House

Want a fun way to teach your kids compassion? Volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House for their Dinner on the House program. Your family can cook a meal or bake a dessert at their beautiful facility. You can do this for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The meals are then enjoyed by families that live outside of Toledo that are staying at the Ronald McDonald House while their child is receiving medical care in Toledo.

For the Love of Milkshakes:

Tin Goose Diner and Aviation Museum

Take a lazy afternoon drive out to Port Clinton and have lunch at a vintage 1950’s Tin Goose Diner. Your kids will love sitting at the counter, ordering a milkshake. The diner is part of the Liberty Aviation Museum that has artifacts, vehicles, and aircraft from the Golden Age of Aviation.  

For the One that Needs to Getaway:

Not technically a staycation, but we all know how much kids love swimming pools!

Maumee Bay State Park

Do you want to spend a day or two away from the grind of cook, clean, repeat? Look no further.

There are so many other things you can do in and around Toledo. I would love to know what’s your family’s favorite hometown place to visit over spring break. Tag @toledo.moms on Instagram and let us know!